Italian Reporter’s Ordeal in Iranian Prison: ‘I Was Trapped in a Game’

Italian journalist Gabriele Del Grande recently shared his harrowing experience of being jailed in Iran for two weeks. Del Grande, who is known for his work on migration and refugees, was detained by Iranian authorities while conducting research for a book on the country’s Kurdish minority.

Del Grande recounted his ordeal in an interview with Italian daily La Repubblica, describing the conditions of his imprisonment as “inhumane” and “psychological torture.” He was held in solitary confinement in a small, windowless cell with no access to natural light or fresh air. He was interrogated for hours on end, deprived of sleep, and subjected to constant surveillance by his captors.

The journalist likened his experience to being trapped in a game, where he was forced to navigate a complex web of lies and deceit in order to survive. He was told that he would be released if he signed a confession, but he refused to do so, knowing that it would compromise his journalistic integrity.

Del Grande’s case highlights the dangers faced by journalists working in repressive regimes like Iran, where freedom of the press is severely restricted. According to Reporters Without Borders, Iran is one of the most hostile countries for journalists in the world, with a long history of arbitrary arrests, censorship, and harassment.

In recent years, several foreign journalists have been detained in Iran on various charges, including espionage and spreading propaganda. Del Grande’s case is a stark reminder of the risks faced by reporters who dare to challenge the status quo and shine a light on human rights abuses.

Despite the trauma of his ordeal, Del Grande remains defiant and determined to continue his work. He has vowed to speak out about his experience and raise awareness about the plight of journalists and political prisoners in Iran.

The Italian journalist’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists who risk their lives to uncover the truth. As Del Grande himself put it, “Journalism is not a crime. It is a fundamental right that must be defended at all costs.”